Knitandnatter
I can't see that it matters where. you put the detergent or the Vanish but perhaps you could be using a bit too much of them both.
Personally, I have stopped buying Vanish - other supermarket versions are available - and I now only use a little washing soda to my laundry, this breaks down the grime and doesn't coat the innards of the machine with loads of crap.
I don't use fabric softeners for the same reason - they're just animal fats and fake scents which also bung up the machine and make it stink.
Since reading a few years ago of how both pods and conditioner gum up the machine with gunk, I now just use powder in the drum (and a lot less than I’d once have used) and soda crystals in the drawer.
Laundry is always fine, and smells nice.
